Frankfort, Kentucky: natural disaster risk
How exposed Frankfort is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Franklin County.
Frankfort is a city of 28,503 people in Franklin County, Kentucky. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Franklin County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and strong wind, with about $25.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 253 storm reports in the county since 1964, including 10 tornadoes and 49 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 2 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 1.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Franklin County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Frankfort
Full Franklin County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash bins before storms.
- Have trees near the house checked.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $14M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $3M | |
| Cold wave | $1M | |
| Earthquake | $570K | |
| Lightning | $437K | |
| Heat wave | $244K | |
| Ice storm | $206K | |
| Hail | $191K | |
| Winter weather | $125K | |
| Hurricane | $13K | |
| Wildfire | $5K |
Homes in Frankfort
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Franklin County
Common questions about Frankfort
Is Frankfort safe from natural disasters?
Frankfort is in Franklin County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, strong wind. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Frankfort?
By expected yearly losses in Franklin County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), strong wind (High). Franklin County has been part of 25 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Frankfort get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 10 tornadoes in Franklin County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on April 3, 1974. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Frankfort?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Franklin County, about 1.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.